Stacy is yet another inspiring mum that we are lucky enough to feature on Indie Author of the Week. A mum who, while on parental leave, managed to launch a business and publish a book! Her business is called Books for Little Beasts. In her article below she talks about the highlights and the lowlights of self-publishing. But first…
Stacy’s favourite book from childhood?
It’s too hard to pick one so here are two. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, and The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Interactive and lift-the-flap books are everything!
Stacy’s kids favourite picture books?
Alyna currently has a soft spot for Julia Donaldson’s Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, A Squash And A Squeeze and Tabby McTat. The rhyming in these books are pure magic, and Axel Scheffler’s playful illustrations are super engaging.
In this Article
Books for Little Beasts!
Hello, my name is Stacy, and I’m a self-publishing author on a mission to captivate little beasts with big imaginations.
I am a devoted mum with a lively toddler and mischievous sausage dog that keep me on my toes! Born on the west coast of Australia in warm and vibrant Perth, my stories spring from a deep connection to my own childhood joys and challenges.
A journey into motherhood
During parental leave with my precious daughter Alyna, who my husband and I welcomed into the world in January 2023, I wrote my very first book and launched my business, Books for Little Beasts.
As someone very career-driven, the transition into motherhood was a rollercoaster ride I’ll never forget.
John Doe
I struggled with the concept of letting my career go because it was incredibly important to me. Not being the type of person to sit back and relax, I needed a new project to find my true purpose.
Writing a children’s book had always been a dream of mine, and Alyna was the spark that brought my aspiration to life!
Self-publishing The Silly Frog
Inspired by Alyna’s quirky love for creatures, my book is a delightful tale of an adventurous frog whose jog takes an unexpected turn!
This heartwarming story reminds children and parents alike that the warmth of mum’s hug is never far away. With its playful narrative and colourful illustrations, this story is perfect for children aged 5 and under, making it a must-have addition to your bedtime routine.
Self-publishing: How it started
While Alyna napped, I juggled housework, tracked her sleep in an app, and sometimes even managed to squeeze in a shower. Amidst all this, I began jotting down notes for my book on my iPhone. One day, I stumbled upon Laura Feldman from Little Ivory Haus on Instagram.
Her self-publishing course was the key to bringing my story to life.
To learn more about Little Ivory Haus and to watch Laura’s FREE webinars on Getting Started with writing a children’s book & Marketing for Self-published authors, visit her website here – Discounted price on Laura’s courses are available via Birchy’s Books affiliate links.
It took 14 months from the initial idea to the printed book - a period during which I discovered a level of patience and perseverance I never knew I had.
John Doe
Self-publishing: How it's going
Were there any bumps in the road when writing my book?
Absolutely!
Did it stop me from pursuing my passion?
Absolutely not!
I firmly believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Naturally, I chose to self-publish because, as a bit of a control freak, I wanted to oversee the entire process myself—ha ha!
Traditional or hybrid publishing was never really an option for me
John Doe
The trickiest part of self-publishing was perfecting the illustrations. I had clear ideas in my mind but had to collaborate closely with my illustrator to bring them to life, which was no easy feat. Formatting my book into print-ready files was also a challenge, but I got there in the end.
The highlights of my journey were when my book was finally delivered, and I held it in my hot little hands! It was an overwhelming feeling of pride that I will cherish forever.
The book launch was also a lot of fun, and celebrating my achievement with loved ones was very special.
Since then, I’ve been invited along to a local school to give several author talks and share my self-publishing journey. This has been a humbling and truly rewarding experience.
What's next for me?
I have a heart full of love that shines through in my stories. My books are invitations for children to explore, learn, and grow. Through the pages of my creations, little ones embark on journeys of wonder and discovery, where curiosity is celebrated, empathy is nurtured, and a lifelong love for reading takes root.
Stay tuned for more magical adventures, where the boundless world of imagination awaits!
Find my beastly tales:
While my story isn’t yet on shelves, I’m committed to making that happen. I’m still building the confidence to approach local bookstores, and I truly appreciate all the support along the way.
My book is available from major retailers like Amazon, but why not support me on my journey by purchasing directly from my website? You’ll definitely make this humble indie author’s day!
Find and follow Stacy (Books for Little Beasts) on socials – Facebook & Instagram and visit her website – www.booksforlittlebeasts.com to purchase The Silly Frog.
Thank you for sharing your self-publishing experience with Birchy’s Books, Stacy!
Next week, we welcome indie author Krystal Wade from Wren Tales Publishing who talks us through her own challenges and triumphs that she faced during her journey to published author.